Melvin Francis, the governor of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, was killed on Friday when his pickup truck collided head-on with a tanker truck. He was 60.

Francis was returning home to the Pleasant Point Reservation when the accident happened. He had just signed an agreement with Citgo, the Venezuelan oil company, to donate heating oil to tribal members. He had also been lobbying state lawmakers on a proposal to legalize slot machines for the tribe.

Francis was remembered as a man who would do anything to help his people. He spoke the Passamaquoddy language and participated in traditional events. His four-year term was to expire this September.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) said Francis was a great leader. "He understood that improving the conditions of his people would improve the conditions for all Mainers," Baldacci said in a statement [Link].

Baldacci ordered state flags to be flown at half-mast today in honor of Francis. Funeral services are taking place today.